NEAT UP
Keeping up your physical movement
when working from home. 

Keeping up your physical movement when working from home. 

We all love that one of the perks of working from home (WFH) is that we avoid the Glasgow rush hour commute and instead can even have a lay-in. 

There are some health benefits to this also; less stress and the opportunity for more sleep and preparing healthier meals. All of which are very beneficial however one area of our health that we really must consider when WFH is our physical movement. 

I have been there hunched over the laptop, barely moved all-day and now the only light in the room is coming from my laptop and checked my watch to see that I have done less than 2000 steps the whole day!! It must have been a super productive day, right?

When WFH we run the risk of being too available, hardly leaving our laptop all day. Going from one Zoom call to another.

 NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis) refers to physical movement in our lives that isn’t planned exercise. It can make a huge difference when working to a weight loss goal and something at L-fit  Personal Training Glasgow, we make a priority especially if you will be WFH.

Here are some tips for keeping your NEAT up

1. Set targets – Aim for a min of 8000 -10,000 steps. If you have a set of stairs in the house aim to complete between 10-20 flights.
   
2. Create a new commute – This will not only help your NEAT but also your mental health. Leave the house and go for a walk before you start work and when you shut down your laptop again go for a walk. Use the time to either prepare for your working day ahead or switching off from the day’s stress and entering back into your home to enjoy personal time. You can include a power walk at lunchtime too.
3. Plan your movement into your day – When you are writing out your to-do list or looking at your diary consider how you can be more mobile for example walk around the house when on calls. Use voice notes and white paper to have you up and around when being creative.
4. Force movement – Don’t have everything at your fingertips for example use glass for water rather than a bottle. This will force you to get up and top your glass up more often.
5. Involve others – Create some competition like step challenges with your team at work or with your partner.

If you would like a more personalised approach to working on your NEAT aswell as your fitness and diet and to create accountability please contact L-Fit Personal Training Glasgow to arrange a free consultation.